Close
Menu
boswellia-sacra-1590063_1920

Research Spotlight: Frankincense and Brain Tumours.

, , , , ,

I have set a new intention to collate my clinical thoughts, initially I thought once a week but knowing my time limitation it might be more like once a month!
I will share themes I have noticed within my practice and interesting research papers that I have found as a result of seeing certain presenting conditions.

I hope you find it as interesting and useful as I do!

I often find myself supporting people on their cancer journey.
Herbs and nutritional medicine in the form of nutritional supplements as well as food plans can really play a positive role regardless of which stage of their journey a person arrives to work with me, pre or post or even during conventional medical treatment.

This week I wanted to check the dose of Frankincense resin when used as a supportive herb after Steretactic treatment ( Radiotherapy) in the case of Brain Tumours.

I remember some years ago during a CPD Seminar an MRI was presented as before and after integrative treatment and the tumour was significantly reduced.
One of the key herbs discussed during the seminar was Frankincense and this sacred herb came to mind during a conversation I had twice this week.

Frankincense or Boswellia serrata contains Boswellic acids which are well known for their anti-inflammatory effects, they are largely resinous compounds with a percentage of volatile oil and a small amount of mucilage.


Often Medical Herbalists will use this herb to help with Osteoarthritis as well as inflammatory bowel disease such as Ulcerative Colitis or Crohns.
I often use the Essential Oil topically in chest balms for Asthma.

The research on the use for malignant brain tumours as an adjunct pharmacological agent is very interesting and encouraging.
I found this study published in Oncology Letters very promising and informative and fairly recent too – 2016.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC

It is certainly not a new concept as Boswellia has long been considered useful in Integrative Medicine for both malignant gliomas and brain metastasis over the last decade, mostly in central European countries.

The anti-inflammatory action is thought to be beneficial where there is oedema ( swelling) which is a common problem in growing brain tumours, and often controlled with steroid medication which comes with it’s own issues of course.

Some Cell Culture studies also suggest that there are intrinsic anti tumour cell properties and one invivo ( rat study) showing cell apoptosis ( cell death) is quite encouraging:
Boswellic acids inhibit glioma growth: a new treatment option?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10894362

The study of 2016 also finds anti inflammatory and cytotoxic properties and is quite positive in encouraging the use alongside conventional treatment but of course invivo ( in the living organism) studies are needed to corroborate.





Related Posts

Testimonials

Acid Reflux
I was diagnosed with a hiatus hernia, and on another endoscopy , they found a pool of bile in the stomach. Both endoscopes were due to symptoms of pain, discomfort and reflux . I was given Omeprazole 20-40 mgs over several years. Reading on the Internet the problems encountered from long term proton pump inhibitors, I was delighted when I started Herbal Treatment with Andrea which included balancing my whole digestion. The reflux has now resolved and I am symptom free and off the Omeprazole. I … Read more
Acid Reflux
A less painful Winter
I am looking forward to a less painful winter this year thanks to you and can’t thank-you enough from the bottom of my heart for making me feel so well and feeling life is worth living after all. I want everyone to know there IS an alternative to western medicine I just wish they would be brave enough to go with it and at least try. Even if you are on a low income you can still afford this wonderful medicine. You really are a truly wonderful person and I am lucky to know you.
A less painful WinterWorthing
Complete sense of trust
I felt a complete sense of trust and safety after my visit to you.
Complete sense of trust
Talk and Demo Mr Paterson Shoreham by Sea
Dear Andrea, Many thanks for your talk and demo at Culberry’s yesterday 22.6.13. Sadly we had to leave before the end it was a very interesting and informative event, on a subject which is not only enjoyable but so important to our wellbeing on so many levels. I would be grateful if you would send details of your courses and practice. Best regards and thanks
Talk and Demo Mr Paterson Shoreham by Sea
First Aid Kit Workshop, Fiona - Worthing
A fabulous workshop with handouts of relevant information. Andrea makes the session fun, whilst sharing her love and knowledge of herbalism in an interactive way. Being able to make products to bring home was just superb, I look forward to the next one!
First Aid Kit Workshop, Fiona - Worthing
Sensitive & kind
I don’t know whether you remember me, but I came to you about 18 months ago because I had had recurrent miscarriages. After a course of treatment you gave me, I conceived at the beginning of the year, and have just had a beautiful little boy. I am so grateful to you for all your help, and especially for linking together a lot of my medical issues. My irritable bowel has also been much better since your treatment. Thanks again for all you did, I will definatly recommend you to friends and fa… Read more
Sensitive & kind
Andrea has changed my life!
I am 38 and have struggled with fatigue what feels like my whole life. Andrea has helped me and has changed my life, i am so grateful that i was introduced to Andrea from a friend. I have seen many doctors privately and through the NHS who have always come to a dead end. Andrea has prescribed me supplements and herbs which within 1 week I noticed a HUGE difference. I feel like a human again! I am continuing forward with Andrea and can’t wait to see more changes which i have full confidence wi… Read more
C Rainbow Crawley, W.Sussex
Sleeping after 4 very long years!
My daughter ( now nearly 5 ) has suffered with very disturbed sleep, ( waking 8-10 times a night, for 4 years ) bumpy skin , tummy aches , highly strung and generally not a happy child since the day she was born – have tried numerous trips to doctors and other health practitioner’s (spending lots of money and getting nowhere) and finally came across Andrea who to us is a heaven sent angel as she diagnosed Millie with intolerances to dairy, soya , egg and goats milk – 6 weeks on with an eliminati… Read more
Sleeping after 4 very long years!Goring
Better Digestion and no Omeprazole!
Hi Andrea Just wanted to let you know how much better I’m feeling! The last few days I’ve felt actual hunger, something I haven’t felt for months. Your wonderful herbs and particularly I feel, the Agrimony, are doing wonders. I’m off the omeprazole now ( for almost a week) and no repercussions. I’m sticking to wheat and dairy free with the exception of a little goat cheese, no bright stools at all. This lovely lady presented with a history of medication of proton pump inhibitors, s… Read more
Better Digestion and no Omeprazole!
Tea Blending Workshop
I came to you for the tea making course, I’d just like to say Thank you so much – I learnt so much from those couple of hours with you, it was actually a very profound experience.
Tea Blending Workshop